RESIDENTS have been told to expect ‘blizzard conditions’ with an icy blast set to hit the region.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for the north west for snow and ice for the weekend.

The warning will come into force from 3am on Sunday, and it will remain in effect through to 9pm that same day.

Forecasters are warning of possible travel delays on roads, stranding some vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel.

Some rural communities could become cut off, while power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services such as mobile phone coverage.

In addition, there is also an increased chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.

A Met Office spokesman said: “A band of snow is expected to move north east across the UK on Sunday, in most places lasting two to four hours before turning to rain.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

“Places in the south west of the warning area will be affected first.

“Temporary accumulations of 1cm to 3cm could build to low levels, and perhaps locally 5cm to 8cm across the Welsh mountains, with any snow starting to melt readily from late morning.

“While parts of the north east of England and Scotland will probably stay dry until late morning, the feature becomes slower moving here allowing for larger accumulations.

“Temporary accumulations of 1cm to 3cm are likely at low levels, with 5cm to 10cm more typical across upland areas, and isolated 10cm to 15cm on high ground north of the central belt.

“Once rain becomes established, all lying snow will melt rapidly.

“In addition to the snow and ice, strong winds are expected across all parts, with gales or severe gales mainly across high ground. This will lead to blizzard conditions in some areas for a time.

“A brief period of freezing rain is also possible, most likely to impact areas from the Pennines northwards, with a consequent risk of ice accretion on structures and power lines.”